Programs

The Healing Powers of Writing

Writers work out their problems and sorrows through their poetry and prose. Emily Dickinson mourned family members in her poetry; F. Scott Fitzgerald tackled his mental breakdown in the remarkable crack-up essays. In his Nick Adams stories, Ernest Hemingway explored the healing power of nature for the trauma of violence he experienced in World War I. Using literary selections, including two of her own published mystery stories, this presentation by Marianne Wilski-Strong discusses how writers turn personal tragedy into fiction. Adult and high school audiences

Marianne Wilski-Strong has published many articles and mystery short stories, is a member of nearly a dozen professional organizations, and has delivered conference presentations on topics ranging from mythology to writing and winning grants. She is Professor Emeritus at Prince George’s Community College, where she taught for twenty-eight years. She holds an M.A. in English Literature from the University of Maryland.